WMU News

WMU launches professional development series March 9

February 18, 1999

KALAMAZOO -- A new series of specially tailored noncredit professional development programs will be launched this spring for residents in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids and surrounding communities.

The Office of Professional Programs and Conferences at Western Michigan University created the series after a lengthy study of the programming that area employers and employees say they need most.

"The topics we'll be covering aren't just a shot in the dark," James H. McFaul, director of the office, said. "They're the result of focus groups, surveys and other assessments done over the past year and are in direct response to the request for additional employee training programs."

McFaul noted that a wide variety of Southwest Michigan employers participated in the study, including representatives from business, industry, state government and education.

"We felt it was important to address the needs being expressed throughout the community," he said. "This means our new series will cover diverse topics and will enhance professional growth as well as professional skills."

The professional development series is comprised of seven half-day, one-day and two-day seminars and workshops. The series will begin March 9 and continue through May 5. Program fees range from $80 to $225 and include the cost of materials and, for full-day programs, the cost of lunch. The deadline to register for a program is one week prior to its start date.

The series will kick off with programs on business and professional writing, working together cooperatively, customer service, leadership, change management, managing projects and special assignments, and recognition fundamentals. Instructors will include WMU faculty members and community consultants.

The Office of Professional Programs and Conferences provides a wide range of non-credit educational programming, including courses to meet professional education requirements, customized training for business and industry, certificate programs, conferences, and professional development and growth opportunities.

It is part of WMU's Division of Continuing Education, which operates the second largest continuing education program in Michigan through regional centers in Battle Creek, Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing and Muskegon and site offices in Holland and Traverse City.

For more information about the professional development series, those interested should contact the professional programs and conferences office at (616) 387-4174 or <wmu.programs@wmich.edu>.

Professional Development Series Programs

Business and Professional Writing Skills (two one-day sessions)
Instructor: Roberta Allen, professor of business information systems, WMU
Cost: $225
Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Dates: Battle Creek, May 13 and 20; Grand Rapids, May 12 and 19; Kalamazoo, April 28 and May 5

Effectively Working Together: Making Common Sense, Common Practice
Instructor: David Wheatly, experiential-based trainer and former Scotland Yard officer
Cost: $175
Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dates: Battle Creek, April 29; Grand Rapids, April 22; Kalamazoo, April 15

How to WOW!-12 Steps to Superior Customer Service
Instructor: Linda Castle, consultant and adjunct faculty member at Lake Michigan College and Purdue University-North Central
Cost: $80
Time: 1-5 p.m.
Dates: Battle Creek, April 21; Grand Rapids, April 14; Kalamazoo, April 7

Leadership as a Performing Art
Instructor: Diane Bolton, professional speaker, facilitator and seminar leader
Cost: $175
Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dates: Battle Creek, March 9; Grand Rapids, May 11; Kalamazoo, April 20

Leading Change: Get Out Front, Get On Board and Get With the Program!
Instructor: Paul M.C. Knudstrup, consultant and former adjunct faculty member at institutions including George Washington, Penn State, Southern Methodist and Western Michigan universities
Cost: $175
Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dates: Battle Creek, May 4; Grand Rapids, April 13; Kalamazoo, April 27

Managing Projects and Special Assignments: Part 1 (part 2 required)
Instructor: William C. Willging, management and organizational effectiveness trainer and part-time instructor at WMU
Cost: $80
Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dates: Battle Creek, March 19; Grand Rapids, March 16; Kalamazoo, March 17

Managing Projects and Special Assignments: Part 2 (part 1 required)
Instructor: William C. Willging, management and organizational effectiveness trainer and part-time instructor at WMU
Cost: $160
Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dates: Battle Creek, April 1 and 8; Grand Rapids, March 30 and April 6; Kalamazoo, March 31 and April 7

Recognition FUNdamentals: Expressing Yourself and Your Appreciation
Instructor: Lynnette Younggren, recognition advocate and consultant to the publishers of Priceless Motivation
Cost: $80
Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dates: Battle Creek, April 9; Grand Rapids, March 26; Kalamazoo, March 23

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu


Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
616 387-8400
univ-rel@wmich.edu

http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news